Traveling message sign



Nov. 14, 1967 G. H. LAWRENCE TRAVELING MESSAGE SIGN 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 13, 1965 INVENTOR GEORGE ii LAWRENCE BY Wham.

TTORNEY 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 GE AA w.

G. H. LAWRENCE TRAVELING MESSAGE SIGN X\ a N Nov. 14, 1967 Filed July l3, 1965- INVENTOR WRENCE ATTORNEY Nov. 14, 1967 G. H. LAWRENCE TRAVELING MESSAGE SIGN 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed July 15, 1965 Q n n ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,352,041 TRAVELING MESSAGE SIGN George H. Lawrence, 1246 N. St. Albans, St. Paul, Minn. 55117 Filed July 13, 1965, Ser. No. 471,644 Claims. (CI. 4032) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE The invention comprises a traveling message sign which includes an endless perforated tape through which light may pass to display a message on both sides of back to back mirrors mounted at substantially forty-five degrees This invention relates to an improvement in Traveling Message Sign and deals particularly with a device that displays a predetermined message from both sides of a sign cabinet through the use of an endless perforated belt or the like.

Various forms of traveling message signs have been produced. Some such signs use an endless light impervious tape or belt which is perforated to form letters which in turn form the words of the message. The tape is moved past a source of light so that the letters of the message appear on the light impervious background of the tape. In some instances, the light rays passing through the tape are directed onto an angular-1y supported mirror in such a manner that the light passing through a horizontal tape will appear to be seen on a vertical surface. It is with that general type of sign with which the present invention is involved.

While signs of this type have been produced in considerable volume, certain difiiculties have'been experienced with them. In the first place, they are usually expensive to produce. In the second place, the tapes or belts must usually be of a predetermined exact length, and oftentimes the perforated tapes may be purchased only from the manufacturer of the signs. Having the tape of a predetermined length usually requires careful planning of the message in order to prevent numerous blank spaces. As an additional objection, considerable difficulty has been experienced in properly lining the tape so that it will travel over the various taped rollers and maintain a true path during its entire cycle.

An additional difiiculty often experienced with signs of this type lies in the fact that they cannot be readily changed insofar as the fixed portion of the sign is concerned. In other Words, it is usually not practical to use the fixed body of the sign to display one message one way and another message the next.

An object of the present invention lies in the provision of a traveling sign of the general type in question, in which the length of the endless tape may be varied through relatively wide limits. As a result, the tape may be provided in rolls. A message of a length which falls within the limits may be formed in the tape. The tape may be cut off at the end of the message, and the ends of the band may be secured together to form an endless belt. The belt may be threaded onto the machine, and the rollers may be adjusted to suit the length of the tape.

A further feature of the present invention resides in the provision of a tape which may bear a continuous 3,352,041 Patented Nov. 14, 1967 series of circles or similar marks, printed upon a surface thereof. By punching out predetermined ones of these circles, any letter of the alphabet or any number, may be formed with a perforating punch, even by persons not skilled in the art.

A further feature of the present invention resides in the provision of maintaining the path in a predetermined straight path. This is accomplished by supporting the drive shaft bearing a cylindrical drive roller in such a manner that the angle of the axis ,of the roller may be varied by tightening or loosening one of a series of three anguIa-rly spaced bolts supporting the drive shaft. With this arrangement, the shaft may be adjusted to maintain the tape or belt in proper position so that it is properly centered.

A further feature of the present invention resides .in the provision of a pair of sign panels mounted on opposite sides of the sign housing. The upper and lower edges of the sign panel are mounted on a pair of opposed grooves, the arrangement being such that by lifting either panel and drawing the forward edge thereof forwardly, the panel may be disengaged from the sign to provide access to the interior thereof.

A further feature of the present invention resides in the fact that the removable panel of the sign, the central portion of which is transparent, is provided with upper and lower individually removable and replaceable panels which may 'be removed and replaced in the same manner as the main panel upon which they are mounted. As a result, any of the advertising copy on the forward face of the sign, may be removed and replaced in a few seconds of time. As a result, the daily changing of the advertising information may be made if desired.

An added feature of the present invention resides in the rigidity of the body of the sign. The operating mechanism includes a rectangular frame including a pair of box-like end portions connected by top-and bottom reetangular tubular beams. Thus, while the structure is light in weight it does possess considerable structural strength.

These and other objects and novel features of the present invention, will be more clearly and fully set forth in the following specification and claims:

In the drawings forming a part of the specification;

FIGURE 1 is an elevational view of the sign.

FIGURE 2 is an elevational view of the sign with the side thereof removed.

FIGURE 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view through the sign, the position of the sign being indicated by the line 33 of FIGURE 2.

FIGURE 4 is a sectional detail through the drive motor, drive pulley, and drive roller.

FIGURE 5 is an elevational view indicating the belt tensioning device.

' FIGURE 6 is a plan view of a portion of the tape or belt.

FIGURE 7 is a perspective view of the frame of the apparatus.

FIGURE 8 is a perspective view of a portion of the glass and mirror supporting structure.

FIGURE 9 is a perspective view of the adjustable roller for varying the length of the endless tape.

In general, the sign A comprises a rectangular metal housing including a top member 10, a bottom member 11,

and vertically extending side members 12 and 13 consimilar section and may include opposite marginal flanges 14 which extend inwardly or toward the center of the housing. Parallel auxiliary flanges 15 are provided in spaced relation to the flanges 14 to form peripheral channels 16 therebetween. The channels 16 are designed to support plastic faces indicated in general by the numeral 17 which complete the enclosure.

The plastic panels 17 are provided with outwardly offset central panel portions 19 connected by marginally extending inclined flanges 29 to coplanar peripheral flanges 21 which preferably extend about the entire periphery of the panel 17. The peripheral flanges 21 are properly proportioned relative to the depth of the channel 16 so that the panels 17 may be raised slightly, disengaging flange 21 at the bottom of the panel 17 from the channel 16 of the lower housing member 11 whereupon the lower portion of the panel 17 may be swung outwardly and disengaged from the houslng. Either of the panels may be disengaged in the same manner.

As indicated in FIGURE 1 of the drawings, the panels 17 are provided with opaque end portions 22 which may be painted or decorated in any suitable manner. The central rectangular section 23 of each panel 17 is transparent. Each panel 17 is preferably provided with an upper elongated window opening 24 and a lower elongated window portion 25. As is indicated in FIGURE 3 of the drawings, opposed upper and lower channels 26 and 27 are secured to the inner surface of the panel 17 inwardly of the upper and lower edges of the aperture 24. Similar upper and lower channels 29 and 30 are provided inwardly of the upper and lower edges of the lower window aperture 25. The opposed channels adjoining each aperture are designed to accommodate advertising panels 31 and 32. The panels 31 and 32 are of lesser height than the distance between the bases of the opposed channels of each pair 50 that the advertising panels 31 and 32 may be removed by raising the panels until the lower edge thereof clears the lower edge of the window aperture, and tilting the panel forwardly along its lower edge until the panel may be disengaged.

The inner mechanism is supported by a rigid frame 33 best illustrated in FIGURE 7 of the drawings. The frame 33 extends the full width of the housing between the side walls 12 and 13 and is secured to the sides 12 and 13 as well as to the bottom 11. The frame 33 includes an upper hollow beam 34 and a lower hollow beam 35, both of which are preferably of rectangular cross-section. The beams 34- and 35 are rigidly connected by vertical end plates 36 and 37, each of which is provided with a right angularly extending vertical flange 39 along the outer edge thereof, and a parallel flange 40 extending between the beams 34 and 35 along the inner edges thereof. The frame is preferably welded together. A box-like body 41 is welded or otherwise secured to the bottom frame member 35 having a pair of spaced apertures 42 in its upper surface. The apertures 42 are designed to accommodate balance transformers 43 indicated in FIG- URE 2 of the drawings.

Midway between the top and bottom beams 34 and 35 and extending from one flange 40 of the frame plate 36 to the similar flange 40 of the opposite frame plate 37 is a mirror and glass supporting frame 44, one end of which is indicated in FIGURE 8 of the drawings. The frame 44 includes a pair of square end plates 45 each having a right angularly turn top flange 46, bottom flange 47 and opposed vertical flanges 49 and 50, all of the flanges extending toward the center of the frame. The end plates 45 are attached to the flanges 40 by bolts 51 or other suitable means to extend forwardly from the frame side plates 36 and 37. A pair of angle bars 52 and 53 are secured overlying the flange 46 in opposed relation, the angle bars 52 and 53' extending from one end plate 45 to the other. The angle bars 52 and 53 include parallel vertical flanges 54 and co-planar horizontal flanges 55 which support a transparent plate 56. As may be seen, the plate 56 may be lifted and removed when desired. An L-shaped bracket 57 includes a vertical portion 59 secured to the flange 51 of the end plate 45 and includes a horizontal portion 60 which extends below the bottom flange 47 in parallel relation thereto. A channel 61 is supported by the horizontal portion 60 of the strap 57 and acts to support a second elongated plate 62 of transparent glass or similar material. A channel 63 is supported by the flange 47 of each end plate 45. Angle clips 64 are detachably secured by screw 65 to the angle 63 and extend beneath the edge of the glass plate 62 opposite that supported by the angle 61. With this arrangement, the glass or other transparent panel 62 may be removed by detaching the clip 64.

Each of the end plates 45 is provided with a diagonally extending strip 66 which acts as a spacer between a pair of back to back mirrors 67 and 69. The mirror 67 reflects the light rays to the left hand panel 17 illustrated in FIGURE 3, while the mirror 69 reflects the light rays from the traveling sign through the right hand panel 17 as indicated in this figure.

A pair of fluorescent lamp supports 70 are supported by the vertical frame members 36 and 37 to project for wardly therefrom. These members 70 support a pair of fluorescent light bulbs 71 in spaced parallel relation to the upper surface of the upper transparent plate 56. A second pair of light supports 71 also project forwardly from the frame plates 36 and 37 to support a second pair of fluorescent bulbs 73 spaced below the lower glass plate 62.

As is illustrated in FIGURES 2 and 4 of the drawings, a motor 74 is bolted or otherwise secured as is indicated at 75 to the frame plate 37, and the motor shaft 76 extends through the plate 37. A pulley 77 is provided on the motor shaft in alignment with a larger pulley 79 on a parallel drive shaft 80, the two pulleys being connected by a belt 81. A sleeve 82 having a flanged end 83 encircles the shaft 80. A disk 84 encircles the sleeve 82 adjacent the flange 83 and is held on a plane normal to the axis of the shaft 89 by a nut 85. A co-axial sleeve 86 having a flanged outer end 87 also encircles the shaft 80, and is held in place thereon by a cap screw 89. The aligned sleeves 82 and 86 support a larger diameter sleeve 90 which acts as a drive pulley for the tape or belt as will be described.

Three equally angularly spaced adjustment bolts 91 extend through the frame plate 37 about the axis of the shaft 80. The adjustment bolts 91 are held from axial movement relative to the frame plate 37 by lock nuts 92. The bolts 91 are threaded through the disk 84 or through nuts 93 attached to the disk 84. As a result, as each bolt 91 is rotated, a portion of the disk 84 is moved toward or away from the frame plate 37. The assembly extends through an aperture 94 in plate 37 large enough to permit angularity of the shaft assembly. By proper manipulation of the bolts 97, the shaft 80 may be tilted in virtually any direction or may be properly angled to drive the tape or belt in the proper direction.

The endless tape or belt is indicated in general by the numeral 95. The belt 95 comprises an opaque strip of material such as plastic fabric or the like, and the film may be punched to provide letters of the alphabet or numerals. Three typical letters are indicated punched in the tape 95 shown in FIGURE 6 of the drawings. The belt may be punched by a machine on the order of machines used to form stencils. However, if desired, the belt 95 may be printed with rows of circles 96, the rows being evenly spaced and the circles of each row being spaced transversely of the width of the tape or belt. By providing seven circles in each row, any letter of the alphabet may be produced. By using the circles 96 as a guide, the belt may be punched through the use of a hand punch to spell out any desired message on the tape.

A pair of tape guide rollers 97 and 99 are supported on shafts 100 and 101 respectively, supported to extend normally from the frame plate 37 The pulley roller 97 is positioned to insure contact between the tape 95 and the drive roller 90 through more than degrees of its circumference. The upper surface of the pulley roller 19 is substantially flushed with the upper surface of the upper transparent plate 56. Five guide rollers or pulley rollers are supported to extend from the frame plate 36 with their axis normal thereto. The pulley 102 has its upper surface tangent with the upper surface of the lower transparent plate 62. The pulley 103 is near the lower end of the plate 36. The third roller 104 is near the upper end of the frame plate 36. The pulley 105 has its undersurface substantially tangent to the upper surface of the upper transparent plate 56. The fifth pulley 106 is above the level of the pulley roller 105 and below the level of the pulley roller 104. A length adjuster illustrated in general by the numeral 107, is slidably supported upon the top beam 34 of the frame 33. The adjustor 107 comprises a rectangular sleeve 109 which is slidable upon the beam 34. A bracket arm 110 extends downwardly from the sleeve 109 and supports a pivot shaft 111 supporting a pulley roller 112. The pulley roller 112, as the other rollers, is preferably slightly crowned to tend to keep the tape 96 in the center of the pulley. A wing-type set screw 113 is threaded into the sleeve 109 to hold the sleeve in adjusted position on the beam 34.

The tape 95 extends up around the drive pulley 90, the idler pulley 97 and the pulley 99 and then across the upper surface of the upper transparent plate 56. The tape then is guided by the pulleys 105 and 106 to the pulley 112 on the adjustable sleeve 109. The tape then is guided over the pulley 104, beneath the pulley 103 and over the pulley 102. From there the tape extends beneath the lower glass plate 62 to the drive pulley 90.

The light from the fluorescent bulbs 71 is directed through the apertures in the tape and through the upper transparent plate 56 and is reflected by the mirror 67 through the left hand side of the housing as viewed in FIGURE 3. The light from the fluorescent bulbs 73 is directed upwardly through the tape 95 and the lower transparent plate 62 and is reflected by the mirror 69 through the transparent area 23 on the right-hand side of the housing as viewed in FIGURE 3. Thus, the same message may be seen from either side of the sign.

The adjustment member 107 permits the length of the tape to be varied within wide limits. As a result, it is not necessary to plan the length of the message to fit a type of a predetermined size.

FIGURE 5 of the drawings indicates the manner in which the pulley 104 is supported in order to provide constant tension on the tape 95. The shaft 114 supporting the pulley 104 is secured to an arm 115 pivotally supported by the pivot pin 116 to the rear surface of the frame plate 36. The shaft 114 extends through a slot 117 in the plate 36. A spring 119 tends to pivot the arm 115 in a direction to apply a desired tension against the tape 95.

In accordance with the patent statutes, I have described the principles of construction and operation of my improvement in Traveling Message Sign, and while I have endeavored to set forth the best embodiment thereof, I desire to have it understood that changes may be made within the scope of the following claims without departing from the spirit of my invention.

I claim:

1. A traveling message sign including:

a frame,

a mirror supporting framework supported by said frame,

a pair of mirrors supported by said framework in back to back position on planes at substantially forty-five degrees from the vertical,

an opaque endless tape having apertures therethrough in a predetermined pattern to provide a message,

roller means supporting said tape for movement both above and below said mirrors and on substantially horizontal planes,

illuminating means above the upper portion of said tape and below the lower portion thereof to direct light through the apertures of the tape and into said mirrors, and

means for driving the tape,

said roller means including a roller slidably supported on said frame and about which said tape extends.

2. The structure of claim 1 and in which said roller means includes a roller supported by adjustment means whereby the axis of the roller may be tilted.

3. A traveling message sign including:

a mounting frame including a pair of spaced parallel upper and lower beams, and spaced frame plates connecting the ends of said beams,

a mirror supporting framework extending between said frame plates and between said beams,

a pair of mirrors supported by said framework in back to back position on planes at substantially forty-five degrees from the vertical,

an opaque endless tape having aperture-s therethrough in a predetermined pattern to provide a message,

rolle-r means supporting said tape for movement both above and below said mirrors and on substantially horizontal planes,

illuminating means above the upper portion of said tape and below the lower portion thereof to direct light through the apertures of said tape and onto said mirrors, and

means for driving said tape,

said roller means including a roller slidably supported on one of said beams and about which said tape extends.

4. A traveling message sign including:

a mounting frame including a pair of spaced parallel upper and lower beams, and spaced frame plates connecting the ends of said beams,

a mirror supporting framework extending between said frame plates and between said beams,

a pair of mirrors supported by said framework in back to back position on planes at substantially forty-five degrees from the vertical,

an opaque endless tape having apertures therethrough in a predetermined pattern to provide a message,

roller means supporting said tape for movement both above and below said mirrors and on substantially horizontal planes,

illuminating means above the upper portion of said tape and below the lower portion thereof to direct light through the apertures of said tape and onto said mirrors, and

means for driving said tape,

said roller means including a roller supported by adjustment means whereby the axis of the roller may be tilted.

5. A traveling sign including:

a rectangular open frame including top and bottom parallel beams and parallel end portions,

an elongated mirror supporting framework extending between, and supported by, said end portions of said frame,

a pair of elongated back to back mirrors supported by said mirror frame and extending on planes inclined between a vertical plane and a horizontal plane,

transparent plates supported by said mirror frames on horizontal planes above and below said mirrors,

an endless opaque tape having light apertures therethrough arranged in a pattern to provide a message,

light means supported by, and extending between said end portions of said frame above and below said mirror supporting framework.

roller means supporting said tape for movement over the upper of said transparent plates and below the lower of said transparent plates and substantially in face contact therewith, and

a housing enclosing said frame and including transparent sides through which one of said mirrors is visible, and

means rotatably driving one of said roller means to move said tape about an endless path,

said roller means including a series of rollers supported on parallel pivot shafts, and a roller supported on an adjustable axis and adjustable into or out of parallel relation to the pivot shafts of said series.

6. The structure of claim 5, and in which one shaft of said series is slidably supported on one of said beams and by means of which tapes of different lengths may be accommodated.

7. The structure of claim and in which one shaft of said series is supported for movement toward or away from said tape and including means resiliently urging said one shaft toward said tape.

8. A traveling message sign including:

a horizontally elongated frame,

an endless opaque tape having perforations therethrough arranged in a pattern to provide a message,

a series of tape supporting rollers arranged on substantially parallel horizontal axis and supported by said frame adjacent opposite ends thereof,

an elongated mirror supported by said frame and extending from end to end thereof on a plane between a horizontal plane and a vertical plane and adapted to reflect substantially vertical light rays passing through said tape in a substantially horizontal direction,

elongated light means supported on the opposite side of said tape from said mirror,

a housing encircling said frame and including tubularly arranged top, bottom and connecting side walls, said top and bottom walls having opposed channels therein,

a front wall having edges detachably engaged in said channels and including a transparent area forwardly of said mirror through which said mirror may be viewed, said front wall being of lesser height than 5 the distance between the base portions of said opposed channels, whereby said front wall may be lifted out of the lower channel and swung out of engagement therewith,

and means for moving said tape about an endless path between said elongated light means and said mirror.

9. The structure of claim 8 and in which said front wall includes an elongated aperture extending longitudinally of said front wall adjoining said transparent area, and

an opaque panel removably closing said aperture.

10. The structure of claim 9 and in which said front panel includes a pair of opposed channels above and below said aperture and in Which said opaque panel is detachably engaged.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,805,209 5/1931 Ellern 40-32 1,869,465 8/1932 Cohan 40'-32 1,907,235 5/1933 Benson 40-32 FOREIGN PATENTS 36,392 2/1930 France.

EUGENE R. CAPOZIO, Primary Examiner.

W. GREIB, Assistant Examiner. 

